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H1B Visa 2015 – Frequently Asked Questions – Updates

Updated : Dec 9, 2014 (H1B 2016 FAQs )

H1B Visa 2015 season is over. Check below for H1B Visa 2016 Season.

Applying for H1B Visa 2016 ? Did you miss FY 2015 lottery ?

Check out -> H1B Visa 2016 – Start Info, Sponsos, Fees, News , FAQs 

Flash News Update  : 

  • May 5th : USCIS announced today that data entry of all FY15 H-1B cap petitions has been completed. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap petitions that were not selected in the lottery. They have announced it on their twitter and facebook pages.
  • April 18th : USCIS announced that they will begin H1B FY 2015 premium processing from April 28th, 2014. Previously they announced that they will begin, ‘no later than April 28th’. They just clarified that. You can read on USCIS website  
  • April 11th : USCIS announced that it received about 172,500 petitions for the H1B Visa 2015 Quota. Read USCIS : 172,500 Received – H1B Lottery Summary 
  • April 7th USCIS H1B Visa 2015 Cap Reached on April 7th. 

H1B Visa 2015 – Latest News Updates , Articles 

Looking for H1B Cap Daily Updates ?  Check  H1B Visa 2015 Cap count Updates Page 

Frequently Asked Questions about H1B Visa FY 2015 

When will H1B Visa 2015 Season Begin ?

USCIS accepted H1B Visa 2015 applications from April 1st, 2014. They had the window open for 5 working days. USCIS stopped accepting H1B Petitions for FY 2015 from Monday April 7th as more applications were received than the required cap of 85,000 petitions.

What would be the Cap count for H1B Visa 2015 quota ?

No changes to the H1B Cap for FY15, the immigration reform discussions did not go through, the cap limit remained same as last year.

  • Regular H1B Quota : 65,000
  • Masters H1B Quota : 20,000
  • It is to be noted that 6,800 visas every year are set aside for Singapore and Chile Free trade agreement filings, which is called as H1B1 program.

Would there be lottery for H1B Visa 2015 ?

We had H1B visa Lottery for fiscal year 2014. USCIS received about 172,500 petitions for FY 2015 . Our predictions were right, you can read the article H1B Visa 2015 Lottery Prediction analysis 

How soon should I start planning for H1B Visa 2015 ?

[ Updated : H1B Sesaon is over for FY 15, plan for next year FY 2016 ] Well, there is nothing like too early… Getting a good H1B Sponsor can be a challenge these days. You need to find a job that fits your profile and find a sponsor that has a job for you.  Some employers want to test out the capabilities of the candidate before they plan to sponsor H1B Visa. Typically, they would like students with masters from US work for them on internship or co-op.  If they like the candidate then they will sponsor H1B visa.  If you are planning to land in US from overseas countries like India, it could be even challenging to find a good sponsor. Maybe you would need to work with global IT services companies and make your way up. It can involve lot of internal process to get the process initiated… You are never early…. Read Step by Step Plan to Apply for H1B 2015 

How do I find Sponsors for H1B visa 2015 ?

This is probably the most asked question.  It can be a challenge to find a good sponsor. We have written quite a few articles on this topic. The fundamental concept of finding a good employer does not change.  You can use our H1B Visa Sponsors Database  and search for sponsors in a city or zip code. Check out the above links under 2015 latest news and updates for the current year’s article to find sponsors. You can also, read our last year’s article :  How to find H1B Visa sponsors, avoid fraud 

What would be the H1B Filing fee for Fiscal year 2015 ? 

There has not been any changes in the filing fee for the past couple of years. It did not change for fiscal year 2014.  The  H1B Visa 2015 filing fee can range anywhere from  $1,575 to $4,325  based on the size of the company (number of employees ). Also, the attorney fee can range from $700 to $3000. If you go for premium processing again that is $1225.  You can check out the detail break up of fee at : H1B Visa Filing Fee Details – Who Pays for What ?  

H1B Visa Immigration Reform – CIR – Proposed Changes ? The comprehensive immigration reform has not passed yet.  But, lets say, if it gets passed, the below changes may happen.

  • Annual H1B Cap will be increased from 65,000 per year to 110,000. If exteme demand, it can go up to a maximum of 180,000.
  • The H1B quota for STEM degree holders from American Schools will increase from 20,000 to 25,000
  • H1B Visa fees can up to USD $10,000.
  • More stringent rules on H1B visa adjudication.
  • Mandatory LCA posting on DOL website for at least 30 days, before it is certified.

You can read Summary of CIR – Immigration reform – H1B Visa and Green Card  . We will keep you posted with updates on CIR and H1B visa changes for this year, if any. Did I miss anything ?  Do you have any other questions ?

Note :  Some of the below comments about H1B Sponsors are negative.  Please be aware that these are comments added by individuals of companies, competitors and many others that may hate such companies. We do NOT vouch for any of the comments made as they are not made by us.

Under federal law (Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act), our Blog RedBus2US.com is NOT legally liable or responsible for information posted by public, general users or third parties that contains remarks that are defamatory for a company or individual.

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Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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23,888 Comments

    • They have not sent the receipts to anyone. That one update is a fake guy. They have not shared receipts to any one yet. They asked to wait till this weekend. This wait is killing.

      Reply
        • Guys ,
          I got called yesterday by HR informed that they not received my receipt ( June 10 , 2014 ) n waiting for package return else some miracle

          Reply
          • @Splendek
            Don’t worry, wait till this weekend. Until they send us the receipt number or written email about rejection, nothing is for sure.

          • I don’t think they’l be sending receipts either this week. I guess they lied about it. When i called them they said “don’t take it in another way but we will be sending receipts accordingly”….don’t know what the hell does that mean!…they don’t even bother to give an explanation.

    • My DU lead got an email from RMS that out of around 3700 nominations, they had received a positive acknowledgement for around 1800 and only one got rejected. I guess the rest of us have to wait at least till 3rd or 4th week of June.

      Reply
        • Technically yes :). As RMS has not yet received any updates for the rest. I don’t wan’t to raise the hopes unnecessarily, so you calculate the probability of selection for the pending based on a total of 65000 out of 180000.

          Reply
          • I doubt this news..nevertheless I am in pending status…and who gives a damn that the news is false or true…All I care is that this gives me a hope!!!

            I just hope all ur lies(pessimist me) come true(Optimistic me)!! Cheers buddy…

            PS: Even I have HEARD (Not sure at all) that acceptance of accenture lottery is around 95 percent!!

          • FFS, how come in a random lottery process the chance is 95% for accenture?? are u out of ur mind ??? stop dreaming and have some rest ..

          • Lol. That means as of now only info abt successful apllications is shared. Rejections may come a bit later. It doesn’y mean that Accenture has 95% success ratio.

    • It’s ok.

      As of now, there’s no official note on how the processing order is being done. So right now we just have to wait. I’ve seen people getting approval with the same initial sequence of number as mine awhile ago…

      I suggest you read if you haven’t: http://redbus2us.com/received-h1b-2014-receipt-number-with-eac-wac-what-next-check-status/

      Reply
    • Yes its perfectly ok.
      Dnt worry
      Me too same series
      I got approved but there were many receipt numbers begore me who r on initial review.
      Hold on.

      Reply
  1. Let’s be clear about terminology so that others are not confused about what a “rejection” means.
    If you didn’t get picked up in the lottery, your application is “returned” not “rejected”.
    If your petition was picked up in the lottery but was then “rejected” that’s an actual rejection.

    Reply
  2. hi there, non AD/RP/VT and still nothing, i called my school and they said that my OPT status had expired so I took this as not being selected since they would’ve extended this automatically had my name been picked…. but just figured i’d let you all know

    Reply
  3. Hello all,

    I have been a silent reader since the first day and I totally feel all of you who are still waiting. Just want to thank you all for your support and update information. Finally!!! I made it!!! My case has been in initial review for more than 2 months and suddenly today when I checked it online, it changed to post decision activity… I honestly checked my case every hour in the last week…

    The wait is just painful. I have to agree that it is unfair that our faith is determined by a computer system. For the last week, despite how hopeful I’m trying to stay, I have been working on tons of my back up plans including arranging to give away my dear puppy of 3 year and leaving the country. I’m not in STEM so no extension for me:) Fortunately things all work out. This result really teaches me to never give up and to never lose hope.

    For all of you who are still waiting, I know things will work out one way or the other. No matter what the results turn out to be, for people who are high skilled and hard working like you, you will succeed.

    Best of luck to all of you! And again, thank you!

    Reply
    • I don’t believe you prepared to leave this country. you said your case was in initial review since two months ago, so it does not make any sense for me that you have to be so panic to give away your dog. It only makes sense if you don’t even get selected by lottery. Don’t be exaggerated!!!

      Reply
      • Mayb I was over thinking if you think so but my chance is low in the first place:) I’m the only one got filed for H1b in my company, which is a very small private company and my degree is very different. Even my attorney told me in the first place that my case is difficult… And about my puppy, not sure if you own a dog that is your best friend for many years, but that’s the first thing I need to plan on if I leave and I want to make sure the best for it. I know it will take time to find the right new person and I wouldn’t just give my child to anybody. Don’t say like you know things.

        Btw, mine case No starts with WAC14143

        Reply
        • Hey bro,

          if ur receipt starts with WAC14143 then how is it possible that status was in initial review from last two month?

          Because my receipt also starts with same first 8 letters… and it signifies that date of receipt generation is 23rd april 2014.

          Today is 11th june 2014. So it is around 40 days.

          and one more thing you could not have received it on the same date 23rd april. So reduce at least 7 days more.

          It becomes 33 days only 🙂

          Reply
          • I see… I honestly don’t know how to calculate those days… My HR gave me the receipt around May but he said he received a while back so I assumed so. I emailed my attorney in June asking it has been 2 months and he said I should wait 3 months since it’s normal wait…

            Thanks for the clarification!

  4. Immigration reform is dead. H1b cap will probably not be raised. We better find other countries or plan B folks.

    http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/2014-virginia-primary-eric-cantor-loss-immigration-reform-107697.html

    Reply
  5. Hi, My h1b petition got approved last month and the USCIS website says that they mailed my approval notice on May 20th. I emailed my HR to ask her if she has received it and she said she hasn’t received anything yet. I find it hard to believe that they have not received a letter which was mailed on the 20th. Do companies hold off information like this. I work full time for a very large research company and not a consulting firm. I was hoping to get hold of the approval notice to get my driver’s license renewed.

    Reply
      • Are you sure your lawyer/employer don’t have it already? They might just be holding up and did not inform you yet?

        Thanks

        Reply
        • Why do you keep asking this? Are you waiting to hear as well? There are some people who are waiting and no the lawyers/employers are not holding up the information

          Reply
          • Yes, I am waiting. Sorry buddy, but when you are in a panic mode, all sorts of silly questions pop up in your head.

            By the way, are you under Vermont?

          • 7 people not selected?? How many applications your company did?
            Out of the 12+ people I know, I’m the only one not selected yet. So 7 seems a very high number to me. Thanks for the info.

  6. Integral guys please share if you have any updates …all the info which I have is there have been no selects
    1) how many visa they have applied for
    2) has any one received any conversation from hr

    Reply
    • Even I want to know answer to these questions. Till now they gave 5 updates, the last one saying 2 rejects and not select, but expect to get some good news. In update 4 they said seen some activity on cheques (but what activity?).

      All Integral guys please share any information you have on this forum to have better collective view on current situation.

      Reply
    • same here i am also wondering because no iformation given

      please ping me your details to my mail id vfxvenky attherate gmail dot come

      Reply
  7. My cheque got returned today. The amount is refunded. No updates as for the rejection letter. I suppose that is it for me.

    Reply
  8. Based on immigrationgirl.com % stats which are very helpful and if assumed to be representative of the overall data.

    Out of the 172,500 applications received about 40,000 (+/- 3%) were towards the advanced degree quota and 132,500 (+/- 1%) were towards the regular quota. About 10,000 (+/- 1%) from the advanced degree quota made it in the regular quota.

    Estimated advanced degree quota acceptance rate was 75% and estimated regular quota acceptance rate was 40%. Overall acceptance rate was about 50%.

    Reply
  9. Hi All,

    I have received an email from HR about my name selected in lottery system last month. What is the next step now? How much time more i need to wait for getting confirmation if visa is granted or not?

    Reply
    • I am not sure if you are joking with us or being serious. 1000000 people responded to this question-read other comments before asking a stupid question.

      Reply
  10. Called the AIMS helpdesk, they are not providing any information, just said that they are yet to get more info from USCIS and hoping to get in by this week….it might happen that 15th June date can be extended. They are receiving the names in slots and yet to get more.They are not saying how many more they will get.

    Reply
  11. Hi

    Those who get receipts (or hear from friends), kindly let everyone know here
    (so that we know, if hopes still exist)

    Thanks

    Reply
    • I received an email from HR on 14th May about lottery selection and on 4th June recived an email that visa is approved.
      But as a company policy we are not disclosed with anyother details.

      Reply
  12. I have been a silent follower of this post since the beginning…Got a mail from my employer saying the package has been returned. I tried real hard to not lose hope till the end..but today i got the news..Its just irritating….this system has to be more considerate..a random lottery shouldnt decide someone’s future..Very disappointed..anyway congratulations to the guys who got in…and all the best for the guys who are still waiting…Hope for the Best and Expect the worst… Goodbye!

    Reply
    • Me too!! i took a lottery ticket with jackpot prize of 100 million, and i was not picked in the lottery ….i hate this lottery wish i was picked !!!

      Reply
      • Me too! I wished god not to show this blog to idiots who dont understand gravity of H1b cap issues… I wish it happened…

        Reply
  13. Guys Don’t loose hopes those who have not received receipt yet. I was one of those who was waiting till today for receipt number. Just before some time my HR told me that your H1B is approved, I never received receipt number till date. I am RP/AD EAC14137#####.

    On May 30, 2014, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129 PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER.

    Even my attorney and HR never received receipt, and now its done.
    So i would say until and unless you do not get your packet back wait for it. 🙂

    same posted on happy school too. Please wait until you do not hear denial.

    Reply
    • Mubarak ho Shekhar bhai……tumhari to nikal padi……lagta hai tumhara kismat se koi setting hai…..bhai humara bhi number lagwa do…..as of now it seems NATRAJ fir CHAMPION wala haal hai

      Reply
      • They did not sent because they never received it. We were applying for my OPT extension and OPT extension process was almost complete we asked my University to cancel it yesterday evening right after I received Visa approval notice.

        Reply
    • hi Sekhar ,
      Many congrats for your extra-ordinary luck , Best regards for it . though I have one Question : Have your HR found your receipt from USCIS /lawyer today only or they simply did not inform you earlier .

      Reply
      • Yes, as i told they informed me yesterday only. What i know from my newly joined colleagues is that all 7 applications of us were filed for h1b this year. out of which 4 had received receipt notice back in April and May. 1 has got approval and 3 are waiting for further processing.

        Rest 3 were those who never received any notice or receipt from USCIS, including me. & out of nowhere yesterday evening they received packet of approval from USCIS without any prior receipt or notice.

        Reply
    • How would you know if the receipt number belongs to you when neither your attorney nor your HR never received the receipts from USCIS?? Just curious….

      Reply
  14. My case got approved on may 13 still havent received package. How many days it takes to reach employer

    Reply
  15. Is there any hope left for Splendtek applicant?i didn’t receive any update frm them.no idea my cheque got encashed or not?

    Reply
    • they have informed about the cheque encashments but no receipts are sent till now. It has been more than a month now and still they are holding our receipts with them.

      Reply
      • I didn’t hear anything abt my cheque encashment.that means it’s over for me rt?but why they are not telling clearly?.
        All are still staying on their hope unneccessarily

        Reply
        • I can understand your curiosity. We will definitely hear from them before Friday. Don’t dwell in this so much. Just wait!!

          Reply
    • Hi Splendek ppl ,
      I got called by HR today that mine case is not being picked up in lottery as they don’t found my receipt number as of today .the slightest good news is that they have not got my package return either ( I knew I am over optimistic ) .. I hope I share the information. any body from Splendtek got receipt number .kindly post …Thanks

      Reply
        • @Waiting ;

          Dude I can understand the severity of this issue as myself in the same boat what ever I written earlier 100% correct ( believe it or not ) even the name of HR person is A$HA for your satisfaction … I am not here for playing games . I hope it helps

          Reply
          • Yes, Even I got the call about the same from her(HR). End of this week, they might get more return packages 🙁

          • I have the same status. No receipt, no return. I don’t know if it is good news or not. Cannot work on backup plan until this is clear as I don’t want to jeopardize H1 possibility (doesn’t matter how minimal it is).

  16. Just got an email from the attorney. Notice Date: May 6th. Your petition was not among those randomly selected for processing. Oh well. Not the end of the world!! Good luck everyone but I think its over for those who are waiting as well.

    Reply
  17. Got my H1 file returned! So very upset! Luckily my husband is here in US…But he is on H1b.. so if I transfer to H4 …I can stay in the country but can’t work! What the helll!

    Reply
  18. Last day for this Site….

    Mine is not selected in the Lottery, I got an email from my HR 🙂 Feeling very Sad. Dnt know what to Do? Kept so many hopes until last minute..All the Best for the guys Who are Recieved and Who are waiting..Thnks Guys Bye..

    Reply
    • Just got my petition rejected as well. Things happen for a reason. I have both BA and MA in the US yet they still don’t bother to review my petition before they put it with others for random selection.

      Reply
  19. Anybody RP got approval from WAC today ?

    It seems that WAC is slow downed for approvals unlike their pioneering attitude for printing receipts !

    Reply
  20. I think all AD/VT rejections have already been sent. It should be with your lawyer/employer by now. Check with them…they might just be holding up.

    Reply
    • darpan ji…..mai kuch nahi kar sakta….receipt to USCIS hi bhejega…filhal kaam karo…..kya karoge note chaap ke….sab moh maya hai.

      so karm karte jao….fal ki aasha na rakho

      upparwala…aapka rakhwala….bye

      Reply
      • Apne sahi kaha receipt toh USCIS hi bhejenge …..Insanno se maang kar aajtak kissi ko kuch mila h kya….dene wala toh uppar wala h………

        Reply
        • arey beta darpan, ab yeh mat keh dena k agar mera approval agaya to bhagwaan k 100 nariyal charhaoon ga… meri to G blast ho jaye gi… so b careful but I’ll b more happy if while going to office so say to ur wife k main tumhe bahgwaan k hawaley akela chorh k jaa raha hoon…. party!!!!

          Reply
  21. Hi

    For all Non AD Non PP folks yet to receive notification,

    a. Are you hearing (from any other sources / links) if USCIS is still sending receipts ?

    b. USCIS may be sending rejections. Bt, nowhere it is stated by them that receipt dispatch is over.

    c. Last yr, rejections and receipts did come in June.

    Do you agree ?

    Reply
      • Some one posted in this forum that his check got cashed last week..few receipt generation is going on apparently..not sure

        Reply
    • I am Non AD Non PP too.

      I am still hear people receiving receipt recently(very few), but it doesn’t mean they are still sending it out. I believe all the returned packages are on their way.

      This is my second year of applying H1B. My package came on May 17 last year. I guess it just take longer for them to process since we have more applicants this year.

      Reply
  22. Anything from Infy today? What is the deal with AIMS? I think they will delay the update until June end? No traction in last 2 weeks!!

    Reply
    • nope still waiting… just want to ask how much Splendtek is asking for peoples from India. I guess they are asking $5000. Please confirm guys if they are asking the same from you as well.

      Reply
          • Can’t you guys shut your mouth and wait for the receipt? Guys like you alone can spoil some reputed companies and assume yourself some crap. If you don’t have any other job than discussing these daily, you better stop messing this forum with craps.

          • You think its crap since you might have got your receipt already.. But for all others on this forum its really important..For people who are still waiting to get receipt some day, it has become the most IMPORTANT job to remain updated through this forum..
            And talking about REPUTED companies you are talking about.. Try to deal with them..Try to follow up with on emails,calls and then when you dont get any response from them, you will feel what we are going through.

            So Shut your mouth !!

          • after several mails…..i got a reply…in all cases you would get an email…..till then we appreciate your patience!!!…..bhai 2 mahine se aur kya rakha hai

          • hmmm… so splendtek is asking for 5000$ from its employees rather customers n selling them h1b visa… due to such crap comapnies, the deserving ppl didnt get the visa while bulshit frm India just buy the visa n go deir without any xperince n wid fake docs…

    • Not yet… Still waiting for receipt…they told me my cheque got encashed a month ago…they ve asked for the cheque clearance date (which I’ve sent them) couple of days back.. I wonder if something has gone wrong from their side..

      Reply
      • I can understand your curiosity. We will definitely hear from them before Friday. Don’t dwell in this so much. Just wait!!

        Reply
    • People,

      I have updated this forum several times before that I have already received the receipt number from splendtek.

      Type : Regular/Non-AD
      Receipt Number : EAC-14-148-5****
      Received date: 27-May-2014.
      Chq Encash Email Date: 8–May-2014

      Hope this helps !!

      Reply
  23. Hi Friends,

    The forum has been very helpful for me in recent times regarding H1B processing.
    Recently, my H1B application got picked up in 2015 lottery and my petition was approved today. In the past, I was rejected B1 visa 3 times in chennai embassy(last rejection was 4 years back) applied from same company in India. Currently, I am working in Malaysia on work permit visa from past 4 years for a Malaysian local company.
    Are there any chances of rejecting my H1B this time due to previous B1 rejections ?
    Please help me if any of you faced the same issue. Looking forward for your response.

    Thank you.

    -Krishna

    Reply
      • Hi krishna,

        I have a friend whose h1 was approved in spite of earlier B1 rejection.. Dont worry… U ll get ur visa approved… All the best!

        Reply
        • Thank you Preethi… Can i go for visa stamping in Malaysia ? In my I797 approval notice too, they mentioned the consulate as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Please advise.

          Thanks.

          Reply
          • Hi Krishna,

            Congratulations!! Yes you can go for your visa interview @ KL, Malaysia as thats the designated consulate to handle your case. Good Luck and keep us posted on your visa outcome.

      • Thank you Purnima! Hoping for the best.
        Are we suppose to attend the interview at the consulate mentioned in I797C approval notice ? Bcoz, mine is mentioned as Kuala Lumpur in the notice. Do i need to confirm with the consulate again ?

        Reply
        • Hi Krishna,

          Congrats for getting selected in Lottery 🙂

          Can you please let me know through which employer/consultancy you filed your visa petition? I am also in Malaysia and I tried this year but couldn’t get through the lottery. Would try next year with the firm which you went ahead with if it is okay with you.

          Regards,
          Kalicharan

          Reply
  24. Akt -Corp,

    Any update from Akt -Corp ? I wrote them many mails but no reply as of now .Any update plz share ..!!!

    Reply
  25. Hi All,

    Any update from Reliance global I wrote them number of mails but no reply as of now waiting kills ..!!!!Any update plz post

    Reply
  26. CTS HR Reply?
    TCS HR Reply?
    Wipro HR Reply?
    Igate HR Reply?

    Frnd pls post your companies latest HR Reply regarding waiting for Visa

    Reply
    • In wipro, we are asked to wait for status update till June month end.
      They will receive updates from mid of june as per the latest comms.

      Reply
  27. My cousin got approval last week. What is the next process to get H1b Visa?
    He is from Delhi . when we need to do ?

    Reply
    • Once you get the approved petition and with all other supporting documents setup a appointment with near by US consulate to get the stamping done. YOu can go for stamping around SEP.

      Reply
    • After you have all the required documents & filled DS 160, you can schedule an appointment, using ustraveldocs, within 90days prior to your Employment start date. If Oct 1, 2014 is your employment start date then you can take appointment anytime after July 1st, 2014.

      Reply
        • That is the petition for nonimmigrant worker, submitted to USCIS by your employer/Attorney and that is the first step in the whole process, You dont have anything to do. You just to need to carry a copy of that when you go for stamping.

          Reply

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